NYC Dem official ID’d as ‘straw donor’ in alleged fundraising scheme involving Eric Adams’ campaign
A Manhattan Democratic Party official has been identified as a “straw donor” who dealt with at least one of the defendants in the alleged criminal campaign-finance scheme that has rocked Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 campaign.
William Smith, a Democratic district leader from East Harlem, was revealed as “straw donor 16” who had conversations with defendant Shamsuddin Riza in the case, according to court papers filed by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office.
Six defendants in the case were charged with allegedly using the names of relatives and friends as straw donors to Adams’ mayoral campaign to cash in on the city’s generous 8-to-1 public-matching-fund system for political donations, as well as to try to curry favor with the mayor-to-be.
Smith, 36, is not listed as a defendant in the case and neither is Adams or anyone from his campaign staff.
“On or about August 5, 2021, in a telephone conversation with Straw Donor-16, a Manhattan Democratic Party District Leader, Shamsuddin Riza stated in substance he intended to make a contribution to the Campaign in the name of Straw Donor-16: `I’m putting up the money for you, all you have to do is fill out the contribution form and whatnot, right,’ ” the initial indictment filed early last month said.
Smith is later referred to as “straw donor-16” whose name was used fraudulently as donating to Adams, in count 16 of the indictment. In straw-donor cases, contributions are secretly given by someone under the name of another.
Smith denied any wrongdoing and told The Post on Tuesday, “I’m a highly ethical person.
“It’s a disappointing chain of events. I’m disappointed that any individual would not follow the rules for fundraising.”
He declined further comment on specifics regarding an active criminal case.
Adams campaign spokesman Evan Thies referred to a previous statement issued after the July 7 indictment.
“There is no indication that the campaign or the mayor is involved in this case or under investigation. The campaign always held itself to the highest standards and we would never tolerate these actions,” Thies said.
Adams acknowledged he knew the ringleader of the straw donor scheme — Dwayne Montgomery — from their days in the NYPD and that Montgomery had attended events at Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s residence.
Rachel Atcheson, Mayor Eric Adams’ deputy director for food policy and a fellow vegetarian, was also identified as organizing a fundraiser with accused ringleader Dwyane Montgomery, a former NYPD inspector and head of integrity for a municipal workers union who was friendly with Adams. She is not accused of wrongdoing.
One campaign finance lawyer speculated there may be more coming out of the straw-donor case.
“A criminal investigation is not complete until the trial is over. It’s not uncommon to shake the trees and see if any public officials are involved,” said lawyer Lawrence Mandelker.
